You have obvious heard about Viagra, and if you want to give it a try, there are certain things that you should learn. Nowadays many men decide to take this medication to treat their erectile dysfunction, and it’s advisable in different doses and forms, such as 25-100 mg. You can find it as film-coated, diamond-shaped, rounded blue pills.

Its Mechanism of Action and Drug Class

Basically, Viagra is an oral medication taken to solve specific erectile issues, and it belongs to a group of meds called PDE-5 inhibitors. Impotence can be caused by both physical and psychological causes, but the good news is that its effects can be reversed after taking this drug. That’s because it works by inhibiting an important enzyme PDE-5 that is responsible for destroying cGMP. This means that Viagra allows it to persist and accumulate to provide users with a lasting and strong erection. Keep in mind that its use was approved almost 20 years ago.

List of Side Effects

There are specific adverse effects that male patients may develop when taking this ED medicine, but the great news is that they are rare and most of them are not serious. For example, the most widespread unwanted symptoms include:

Headaches;

Abdominal pain;

Dizziness;

Nausea and diarrhea;

Skin rash and facial flushing;

UTIs and nasal congestion;

Vision changes.

Important Warnings

In very rare cases there are serious vision changes resulted by the use of Viagra, including temporary vision loss. Once you develop this symptom, you need to go and see your doctor at once. Besides, male patients may experience sudden hearing loss and ringing in their ears. Don’t forget about the risk of having priapism and heart complications, and the latter ones are characterized by such symptoms as chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath, feeling sick and others. Another aspect that should be mentioned is that this ED medication may lead to edema which results in swelling of ankles, hands and other body areas.

Recommended Doses

For most male patients, doctors advise to take 25-100 mg at least one hour before their planned sexual activity, but they should remember that a maximum Viagra dose is 100 mg, and it can be taken only once a day. For elderly patients, it’s advisable to start with a minimal dose to avoid possible side effects and other health risks. Take into account that this medicine adsorbs fast, but you shouldn’t take it with fatty meals or grapefruit.

Dangerous Drug Interactions

The most important detail that should be remembered is that Viagra may increase the effects of those drugs that are designed to lower blood pressure, so that it shouldn’t be combined with nitrates and similar pills. Make sure that you don’t take it together with other PDE-5 inhibitors and such medications as Nizoral, Reyataz, Sporanox and Tagamet to avoid negative effects. Make a list of all the other meds that you need to take and bring it to your doctor to be on a safe side after discussing all the ins and outs.